Albert Wayne Schmidt, 77, of Rockham, SD, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2020, at Avera St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen, SD peacefully with his family at his side.  His public funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 12, 2020, at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Redfield, SD.  Reverend Peter M. Utecht will officiate.  Interment, with military honors, will follow at the Rockham Grace Cemetery in Rockham.

The service will be recorded and uploaded to the funeral home's website.  The family kindly requests masks to be worn and social distancing guidelines followed.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Hyke Funeral Home of Redfield.  (www.hykefuneralhome.com)

Albert Wayne Schmidt was born December 7, 1942, to Robert and Irene (Becker) Schmidt in Redfield, SD.  He completed country school through the eighth grade and completed his last four years at Redfield High School, graduating in 1961.

After high school, Albert enlisted in the National Guard out of Redfield.  Following his discharge from the guards, Albert returned to the family farm in Rockham, in which he was the third generation.  Albert continued to reside on the farm until his passing.   Albert's pride and joy with farming was raising feeder cattle and still being very active working along-side his nephew Bobby on the farm.

Albert was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church where he served as a trustee.  Some of Albert's hobbies included hunting and bowling.

Albert is survived by his nephew Bobby (Amy) Turner of Redfield; niece Dawn (Ted Heisinger) Turner of Madison, WI; and his great-niece Jadie Turner of Redfield.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Irene Schmidt, and his sister Janet Turner.

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Thank you to the participants in Albert's service:

Clergy - Reverend Peter M. Utecht

Organist - Charlyn Beardemphl

Pallbearers - Josh Becker, John Becker, Damen Pochop, Bryce Maher, Dustin Maher, Anthony Ehrich

Military Honors:

John J. Tomson American Legion Post #57 - Rockham, SD

Clay Kiser American Legion Post #92 - Redfield, SD

Paul A. Schleher VFW Post #2755 - Redfield, SD

SDARNG Military Honors - Watertown, SD

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